Okay, I admit it, sometimes I can get pretty grumpy during the holidays. Call me Mrs. Scourge. For the past few years I've had book deadlines hanging over my head and find myself trying to squeeze in writing time when I'd rather be doing something fun like drinking spiked Eggnog.
And it doesn't help any that my birthday is Christmas Eve and I have to turn a year older. The kids groan and complain about having to buy me two gifts during the holiday season. I don't get many cards--most of the Happy Birthday wishes are added to the Christmas cards people send. My birthday cake always has red poinsettias on it. And try to find a restaurant that stays open past four so hubby can take me out for dinner--we now call my birthday dinner....lupper (in between lunch and supper).
So this year I've decided not to worry about getting older--can't turn back time. I'm not going to stress out about keeping the house clean in case neighbors pop in unannounced. I told the kids to get me one thing for Christmas and for my birthday a "Coupon" that says they won't argue during Christmas break. And I'm really looking forward to my Birthday Margarita!
How about anyone else....do the holidays make you grumpy?
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Marin
RT Top Pick
The Cowboy and the Angel (Nov 08)
www.marinthomas.com
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14 comments:
I am definitly grumpy at Christmas because my brothers and their families are so hard to buy for and they never give me any ideas of what they want even when I ask.
Sometimes. Now more than a few years ago. Getting older doesn't help matters either. My parents passed away a few years ago and it's not completely the same. Maybe when my sons start having kids the magic will return. I hope so!
Sometimes I'm grumpy! The past few years have been busy and different in many ways from what used to be my "normal" life - so, I am adjusting to living alone...but, I think I like it...
Have nice holidays - and a great birthday!!!
I'm not really grumpy, but often stressed during the holidays. We always have to travel -- twice -- because all of our family lives in another state. Add that to work, deadlines, trying to get all the Christmas shopping, wrapping and shipping down, and it just adds up to stress and fatigue. That said, I love Christmas.
But I also like New Year's because we get to start fresh, and the year ahead is so full of possibilities.
Ellen--you could always donate money in their name to your favorite charity--they wouldn't dare protest when you told them and next time they'll tell you what they want!
Marin
www.marinthomas.com
Judith--I understand about not having parents around--it really does make a difference. This will be the second Christmas without my mother and I miss her decorations and her Victorian Christmas tree.
Marin
www.marinthomas.com
Sara--I love your positive attitude. Every change in our lives makes us bigger, bolder and better! Have you thought about starting a new Chrismas tradition now that you're on your own? Maybe something you've always wanted to do but for whatever reason never did?
Marin
www.marinthomas.com
Trish--we used to haul our kids down to San Antonio to my mother's for Christmas every year and the packing drove me nuts. The car was so loaded down that Hubby used to complain that we looked like gypsies.
Havea wonderful time with your families this year!
Marin
www.marinthomas.com
Marin - what a great idea. I'll have to do that.
Marin- First, Happy Birthday in advance!
As for grumpy, I am Jewish and years ago, used to get peeved because very little attention is paid to Hanukkah (okay, it's a minor holiday, paling in comparison to the magnificence of Christmas.) Now, I embrace the beauty of the Christmas season, when everyone is warm and smiling. If only people shared the love all the time!
We "do" Hanukkah, Christmas and recently added Winter Solstice to our list of December celebrations.
Anyway, celebrate big this year, both your big day and Christmas. I plan to drink a toast to you Christmas day.
Christmas just isn't the same now that my daughter is married. Things change when kids grow up and parents pass away and divorce happens. That means my daughter has to work things out with three families now.
Of course I still do a tree and visit with my brother and sister 2 hours away. We just have to figure a plan that works for everyone.
Ann, thanks for the birthday wishes! It sounds like you'll be hopping from one party to another this holiday season--have fun!
Mary, we've got a few situations in my family where kids/adults have to trade off holidays because of divroces and such and to be honest the tension between everyone shows and it makes me sad sometimes. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone could get along for one day out of the year? Enjoy your time with siblings.
Marin
www.marinthomas.com
Coming in late here, Marin. Like you, I sometimes feel a tad grumpy in December, but it's mostly because there are ten gazillion things to do and not enough time to do them. For the most part, however, I love this special time of year when we get together with family and friends we haven't seen in a long while. :)
Mary J. Forbes
www.maryjforbes.com
Hi Mary
Thank for stopping by! You're right--this is the season to take the time to be with family and friends--they're what's really important.
Marin
www.marinthomas.com
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